Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Acute Chronic Heart Failure(I50.23, I50.33)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Chronic Heart Failure. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Acute on Chronic Heart FailureDecompensated Heart Failure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Chronic Heart Failure

I50.2-I50.4Primary Range

Heart failure codes including systolic, diastolic, and combined heart failure

These codes cover the primary types of heart failure, including acute, chronic, and acute on chronic conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I50.23Acute on chronic systolic (congestive) heart failureUse when documentation specifies acute on chronic systolic heart failure with supporting clinical evidence.
  • Echocardiogram showing EF <40%
  • BNP >400 pg/mL
  • Symptoms of decompensation
I50.33Acute on chronic diastolic (congestive) heart failureUse when documentation specifies acute on chronic diastolic heart failure with supporting clinical evidence.
  • Echocardiogram showing EF ≥50%
  • Elevated BNP levels
  • Symptoms of decompensation

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute on chronic systolic heart failure

Essential facts and insights about Acute Chronic Heart Failure

The ICD-10 code for acute on chronic systolic heart failure is I50.23.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute chronic heart failure

Acute on chronic systolic (congestive) heart failure
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • EF <40% and symptoms of decompensation

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'acute on chronic systolic heart failure'

Applicable To

  • Acute on chronic left ventricular failure

Excludes

  • Heart failure due to hypertension (I11.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Echocardiogram showing EF <40%
  • BNP >400 pg/mL
  • Symptoms of decompensation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified heart failure
  • Failure to document acuity and type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies both the type and acuity of heart failure.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure

I11.0
Use when heart failure is due to hypertension.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Acute on chronic diastolic (congestive) heart failure

I50.33
Use when EF is ≥50% with elevated filling pressures.

Acute on chronic systolic (congestive) heart failure

I50.23
Use when EF is <40%.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Chronic Heart Failure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I50.23.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture of heart function., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include EF in documentation for heart failure.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces specificity and accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the type and acuity of heart failure.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified heart failure codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies type and acuity.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Chronic Heart Failure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Chronic Heart Failure

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Chronic Heart Failure. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute on chronic systolic heart failure

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Type of heart failure
  • Acuity
  • Ejection fraction
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute dyspnea and edema. Echocardiogram shows EF 35%, consistent with acute on chronic systolic CHF. Continue Lasix and ACE inhibitor.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has CHF exacerbation.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has acute on chronic systolic CHF with EF 35%, treated with Lasix.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type, acuity, and treatment, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Chronic Heart Failure? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more